Table of Contents
Which antibiotics most commonly cause C. diff?
The primary risk factor for C difficile colitis is previous exposure to antibiotics; the most commonly implicated agents include the cephalosporins (especially second and third generation), the fluoroquinolones, ampicillin/amoxicillin, and clindamycin.
What antibiotics are least likely to cause C. diff?
The meta-analytic study noted that tetracyclines and penicillins were associated with the lowest risk, while fluoroquinolones, clindamycin, and expanded-spectrum cephalosporins were associated with the highest risk of CDI acquisition, despite considerable confidence interval overlap (10).
Why is fidaxomicin first line for C diff?
The rationale for this recommendation is that although initial clinical responses are similar for both agents, fidaxomicin increases the rate of sustained response of CDI by 16% at 4 weeks after the end of therapy, compared with vancomycin.
Does fidaxomicin cause diarrhea?
This condition may rarely occur after taking antibiotics. Symptoms include diarrhea that doesn’t stop, stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, and blood/mucus in your stool. Fidaxomicin is known as a macrolide antibiotic.
What is the best probiotic for C. difficile?
The best studied probiotic agents in CDI are Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus GG (LGG) and other lactobacilli, and probiotic mixtures.
What are the treatment options for Clostridium difficile (C diff) colitis?
Order a C. diff test if other etiologies of diarrhea are ruled out. Isolate patients with C. diff immediately, even if you only suspect CDI. Wear gloves and gowns when treating patients with C. diff, even during short visits. Gloves are important because hand sanitizer doesn’t kill C. diff and handwashing might not be sufficient alone.
What are the diagnostic criteria for C diff?
Positive assay result for C. difficiletoxin with documented diarrhea or colitis with onset within 48 h of admission Primary or secondary CDI diagnosis on insurance claim. For hospital patients, it must be recorded at admission. Documented diarrhea and a positive C. difficilelaboratory test result in the medical record
What is the difference between C diff and C diff colonization?
In medical terms, they are said to be “colonized” with C. diff. This is also sometimes called “ C. diff carriage,” and a person might be said to be a “ C. diff carrier.” Someone who is colonized has NO signs or symptoms. Colonization is more common than C. diff infection and does not require treatment.
What does it mean if my C diff test is positive?
Molecular assays can be positive for C. diff in individuals who are asymptomatic and do not have infection. Patients with other causes of diarrhea might be positive, which could lead to over-diagnosis and treatment.